The Hurst College National Schools and Pony Club Jumping Championships were first held in 1964. Since then thousands of young riders have come to Hickstead each summer, each hoping to qualify to jump on the hallowed turf of the world-famous International Arena.

The National Championships for both junior and senior schools are open to teams of three or four riders from any school, and for Pony Club teams who have qualified in advance. Many top international riders have competed in the Hickstead Schools Championships, including Pippa Funnell and Robert Whitaker. The Duchess of York, supermodel Jodie Kidd and BBC presenter Clare Balding all had an early experience of showjumping at this annual fixture.

In a bid to encourage more youngsters to come and compete at the home of British showjumping, we have also added two new NSEA championships to the programme.  

It is one of the Hickstead team's favourite days of the year, as we get to have fun guessing who might be an Al Shira'aa Derby winner in the making!

Please note: Times and class titles are provisional and subject to change.